Virginia Peninsula Community College is partnering with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC) to offer a four-year apprenticeship program beginning in late 2024 or early 2025.
The program, designed to expand job opportunities, will lead to an accredited journeyworker’s license for electricians. Apprentices will work full time and attend classes two nights a week for the 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required for the license. The curriculum is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, and students will receive certified credentials upon completing the program.
“VPCC is truly excited to partner with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake to support electrical apprenticeships on the Virginia Peninsula,” said Todd Estes, vice president for Workforce Development and Innovation at the College. “We have no doubt this effort will benefit our community by creating clear pathways for those seeking exciting careers and benefit local employer partners by providing the support they need to develop their future workforce.”
IECC has partnerships with Germanna Community College and the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) in Richmond and will begin working with Tidewater Community College in 2025.
“IEC Chesapeake is excited about the opportunity to expand the organization’s footprint further south into Virginia,” said Grant Shmelzer, CEO and executive director of the IECC. “This program includes hands-on training as well as exposure to all aspects of the electrical industry.”
For more than 15 years, IECC has offered the program in Northern Virginia.
“As a partner with VPCC, we are pleased to offer a four-year state and federally-approved electrical apprenticeship program to electrical contractors and residents looking to enter the electrical industry in the Virginia Peninsula area,” Shmelzer added.
In addition to learning about residential, commercial and industrial aspects, students will be exposed to solar, electrical vehicle charging, low voltage and systems.
The program is supported by a federal grant the Hampton Roads Workforce Council received from the Department of Labor. VPCC is a partner on the grant and will create a position to oversee apprenticeship for 48 months using the grant.
An open house is tentatively planned for Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center at 600 Butler Farm Rd. in Hampton. The College hopes to hold a second open house when its new Trades Center in Newport News opens in 2025.